Mitchell to Arkansas

Dudley E. Dawson

09/07/2008

Louisiana prep cornerback Jerry Mitchell, Jr. (6-2, 198, 4.5) talks about becoming the University of Arkansas' 14th commitment of the 2009 class when he pledged on Monday night to sign with Razorbacks.

While Hurricane Gustav took playing at Texas Stadium away from Jerry Mitchell it at least gave him a shot to look over Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

Indeed Mitchell (6-2, 198, 4.5), a Mandeville (La.) High cornerback, and his dad of the same name took in a couple of days of practice at the University of Arkansas and got a chance to look over the campus.

On Monday night, he decided he was ready to become a Razorback.

"My decision to go ahead and commit was made because it just felt like home on my visit and I really felt comfortable," Mitchell said. "I really liked the facilities and I also got on the internet and saw the other recruits they are bringing in. They are getting great talent and I want to be part of the future with them."

Mitchell, who had 5 interceptions and 38 tackles last season, will be likely back for an official visit next week for the Arkansas-Alabama game.

"It was a great visit," Mitchell said. "The facilities are great and that weight room is one of the biggest and best I have ever seen. I also really liked the coaches. A lot of them have coached in the NFL and that's important because they know what it takes to get to that next level. They really know their stuff."

The elder Mitchell came away very impressed as well.

"I was very pleasantly surprised by the facilities," noted Mr. Mitchell. "A lot of times schools will put up pictures of their facilities, but that is not really what they look like. Arkansas' was identical and its facilities were just outstanding.

"I was also just completely impressed with the entire staff," Mr. Mitchell added. "Everybody really knows what they are doing up there and it's very impressive."

Mitchell and his Mandeville teammates were supposed to have played Klein Oak last Monday in Texas Stadium, the current home of the Dallas Cowboys.

But with Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, the Mandeville administration had the team back out.

"I understand, but it was so disappointing," Mitchell said. "That's a once in a lifetime thing and my teammates and I had worked hard all summer to get ready for that and then it just went away."

The Mitchells headed to Alexandria and then made the decision to go ahead and visit the Arkansas, who had given the youngster an offer about six weeks ago.

"We tried to make it a positive," Mr. Mitchell said. "He had time out of school and I had time off of work so it worked out great for us. We got a chance to see everything about the program and that will help him make a more informed choice."

"You would expect a college practice to be at a much faster tempo than a high school, but it really was something how much they were getting done in practice," Mitchell said. "They really know what they are doing and are very organized."

Arkansas is Mitchell's only offer to this point, but that has something to do with his dad recently just getting out some highlight tapes.

"We sent one to Arkansas and Coach Robinson called and offered me and said they were very interested," Mitchell said. "I'm seeing a lot more interest right now."

Mitchell believes his size helps him playing cornerback.

"I am bigger than most cornerbacks so I match up with the bigger wide receivers better than some of the smaller guys can," Mitchell said. "I also think I have very good recovery speed. I am continuing to work on my technique."